Have you ever walked around your Clinton yard and noticed some of your trees have odd-looking holes in them? How did they get there? These holes can tell you the condition of your trees, whether they’re sick or even dying, and what you can do to protect them.
Here are some issues that can cause holes in trees and what you can do to prevent them.
Woodpeckers
When woodpeckers peck at a tree, they create tree bark holes to get at any insects inside to eat. Woodpecker damage doesn’t kill trees, but it can weaken them. In a weakened state, your trees are more vulnerable to disease and decay.
Tree Decay
Most homeowners don’t realize their trees are decaying until obvious visible signs start appearing. Some of these signs are:
- Tree trunk holes
- Softened wood
- Crumbly wood
- Fungus
If you suspect your tree might be decaying, call a local arborist. They can help you decide on a plan of action for your trees, from pruning to complete removal. Contact the Clinton tree removal specialists to give your trees the care and love they need.
Squirrels
Tree cavities are the perfect spot for squirrels to move into. They don’t create holes in trees but take advantage of the ones that already exist. Squirrels love the taste of sweet tree sap and will “gnaw” on rotted bark to get to it, which causes further damage to your tree.
Keeping squirrels out of your yard can be difficult, but there are a couple of things you can do to prevent them from causing irreparable damage.
- Chicken wire – In an effort to prevent squirrels from chipping away at a tree’s bark, chicken wire can be placed around the base of the tree.
- Squirrel repellents – A repellent doesn’t always work or work effectively. Chemical, odor, or electronic repellents are a gamble. They can be just as unsafe to you as they are to a squirrel.
Overall, the best option you have is to make sure your trees are healthy and happy with preventative maintenance from a certified arborist.
Insects
Termites, beetles, and other wood-boring insects can cause small holes in your trees. A severe insect infestation in trees can kill it.
If that happens, it will need to be completely removed. If a tree needs to be removed, you can always plant a new one in its place; just do things a little differently the next time around.
By amping up your tree care, you can make them stronger by:
- Mulching
- Fertilizing
- Watering Regularly
- Pruning
- Consulting with an arborist
Contact a Certified Arborist Today!
You can protect your tree from further damage by calling an arborist. They’ll know exactly what to do!
Certified arborists offer a number of services to keep your trees flourishing, such as:
- Pruning
- Trimming
- Tree removal
- Fertilization
- Plus, much more!
If you need help with holes in trees or general tree infestation identification, call Pro Tree of Knoxville at (865)-294-0062 today! We can help you decide the next steps for your tree care.